"PhD position (m/f/d)"

The climate needs bright minds. The Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) addresses crucial scientific questions in the fields of global change, climate impacts and sustainable development. It is one of the world's leading research insti­tutions in its field and offers natural and social scientists from around the world an inspiring environment for excellent inter­disciplinary research.

For the Working Group “Ecosystems in Transition” in RD1 at PIK, we are offering a

PhD position (m/f/d)

(Position number: 10-2026 PhD ARTECO)

in the field of ecological modelling of complex arctic landscapes, starting on 01.06.2026.

PhD positions are funded for 3 years with a 75%share of the total E13 salary in accordance with the German public tariff scheme (TV-L Brandenburg).

The project, Predicting Arctic Tundra ecosystems development (ARTECO), is funded by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) and a cooperation project with Uni Zurich (UZH, Switzerland) and Austria (RICAM, Linz).

Key responsibilities:

• Work on model approach to improve vegetation’s impact on energy fluxes and related permafrost dynamics
• improve the process-based fire model SPITFIRE to better simulate fire effects on tundra vegetation and permafrost soils in the LPJmL Dynamic Global Vegetation Model
• in the joint project with our project partners you will
  • cooperate with UZH field experts on arctic vegetation to embed and simulate tundra-specific plant functional types in LPJmL
  • cooperate with mathematical experts from RICAM, on improving heat transfer equations in the permafrost module of LPJmL
• analyse climate-induced changes on arctic tundra and related fire regimes by conducting factorial experiments using multiple climate-change scenarios

Requirements:

• a master’s degree in biophysical, environmental and/or ecological sciences
• ability to work with large environmental and ecological data sets, incl. empirical, remote-sensing and simulated model data
• knowledge in programming languages (UNIX, C, or similar) and script-based programming (R, Python, or similar)
• willingness to travel to scientific conferences and workshops and visits to cooperation partners

We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every requirement. We value diverse perspectives and are committed to finding the best candidate, recognizing that growth and learning are part of the role.

We expect:

• the ability to work independently and on your own initiative
• a methodical and systematic approach
• structured and goal-oriented thinking
• capacity to familiarise yourself quickly with new topics
• creativity and openness to new approaches
• a high level of competence in oral and written German and English
• reliability, engagement, and a high level of motivation
• capacity for teamwork

We offer:

• the opportunity to gain competence in arctic field ecology in joint work with UZH experts as well as in use of numerical methods via collaboration with RICAM experts
• the opportunity to complete a high-quality dissertation within an excellent, collaborative, and transdisciplinary research environment
• a lively community of PhD students on the campus, offering the chance to engage and connect - our PhD Representatives offer information and advice when needed
• the chance to be part of an engaged, interdisciplinary team,
• a stimulating working environment in an internationally recognised research institute on Potsdam's beautiful, historic Telegrafenberg campus, a short commuting distance from Berlin
• flexi-time and mobile working (up to 50% of your hours)
• a collective pay scheme and associated benefits as well as a subsidized travel card or Deutschland-Ticket Job
• free-charging stations for e-bikes on Telegrafenberg campus

PIK values equality and diversity. We encourage applications without photo. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of ethnic and social origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, care responsibilities, or age. PIK seeks to increase the share of women in scientific positions and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply. In cases of equal qualification and within the given legal scope, women will be given preference. PIK also encourages applications by parents returning from parental leave.

Please apply by 12.04.2026directly via our application form below this job advertisement on our website. The application process remains open until the position is filled.

If you hold an international higher education qualification, please also submit a certificate evaluation from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) with your application. If you do not yet have a transcript evaluation, please note that you may have to request one if your application is successful. For further information, please visit the website: https://www.kmk.org/zab/central-office-for-foreign-education.html

For further information or to discuss the position please contact Dr. Kirsten Thonicke.